CMC examination of Coroner’s findings — 18.06.2010

Crime and Misconduct Commission Chairperson Martin Moynihan AO QC says that the 14 day deadline imposed on the Police Commissioner to report to the CMC should not be affected by any matter arising from the Deputy Chief Magistrate Hine’s findings.

Mr Hine’s findings raised allegations of possible collusion on the part of one or more members of the initial police investigation team.

As stated in our report released yesterday, the CMC has recommended that the QPS consider disciplinary proceedings against the members of the initial police investigation - Inspector Webber, Inspector Williams, Senior Sergeant Kitching and Sergeant Robinson – solely on the basis of the evidence referred to in our report.

The allegations of possible collusion are not relevant to the Police Commissioner’s consideration of possible disciplinary action.

Following a review of the material the CMC has decided there is insufficient evidence to support either criminal or disciplinary proceedings against any of these officers for collusion. The CMC sent a letter to the Police Commissioner yesterday advising him that no further investigation into the allegations of possible collusion on the part of these officers was necessary.

The CMC is continuing to examine Mr Hine’s findings in relation to three other officers who are not the subject of the CMC’s report.